Writing program for an incoming second-grader

[Anonymous]

My daughter has ADHD. She generally does fine in public school, with medication. But she struggles with writing - the process of putting words on paper. It seems that she just convinced herself she can't do it and it's a struggle...

I am wondering if there are summer writing programs that could be helpful to her - everything I can find is for older kids. She will be in second grade next year.

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

OP here - we are in NoVa

[Anonymous]

Graphic organizers help quite a bit, espceially at this age. If your daughter's teacher does not have any, there are many available for free online. If your child is amendable (for mine it was like pulling teeth), have her start a journal. Just a few sentences or thought every day- nothing huge. Also, scribing helps at that age- sometimes they have quite a bit to say , but they can't write it down as fast as they think of it. Typing helps too. Most kids can type faster than they can write- a typing/keyboarding program - 30 minutes a day over the summer can jump start the keyboarding skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Graphic organizers help quite a bit, espceially at this age. If your daughter's teacher does not have any, there are many available for free online. If your child is amendable (for mine it was like pulling teeth), have her start a journal. Just a few sentences or thought every day- nothing huge. Also, scribing helps at that age- sometimes they have quite a bit to say , but they can't write it down as fast as they think of it. Typing helps too. Most kids can type faster than they can write- a typing/keyboarding program - 30 minutes a day over the summer can jump start the keyboarding skills.

Thanks. We tried the journal. She was very excited for a couple of days but now it's a production to get her to write even a sentence in it. We are planning to try the typing program over the summer.

[Anonymous]

How about dictation? A dictated journal, using speech recognition software? If the actual writing is what trips her up, bypass it - the important part of writing is getting thoughts onto paper (or screen) and it can be a relief to kids to have a way to do that without their fingers and the letters getting in the way.

[Anonymous]

We have our second grader do copy work. This is literally each day copying a paragraph from a book on to a piece of paper. This helps him to focus on paragraph formation (indentation, staying in the lines), sentence mechanics and letter formation. Separate from that, we do a journal. Writing coherent journal entries and getting thoughts on paper has become easier because he's practiced "mechanics" over and over via the copy work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have our second grader do copy work. This is literally each day copying a paragraph from a book on to a piece of paper. This helps him to focus on paragraph formation (indentation, staying in the lines), sentence mechanics and letter formation. Separate from that, we do a journal. Writing coherent journal entries and getting thoughts on paper has become easier because he's practiced "mechanics" over and over via the copy work.

I would try this only if handwriting/fine motor was the issue.

OP, did you want at home programs or in-person programs? You can try Linda Mood Bell or ASDEC:
http://asdec.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1770069

Lab School Camp (see page 9):
http://cdn.media910.whipplehill.net/ftpimages/541/misc/misc_113176.pdf

[Anonymous]

I've heard good things about the Summer Edge writing program at the McLean School of Maryland. I tried to get my dysgraphic child in there last year but it was full. Does your DD have a dysgraphia diagnosis in addition to the ADHD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have our second grader do copy work. This is literally each day copying a paragraph from a book on to a piece of paper. This helps him to focus on paragraph formation (indentation, staying in the lines), sentence mechanics and letter formation. Separate from that, we do a journal. Writing coherent journal entries and getting thoughts on paper has become easier because he's practiced "mechanics" over and over via the copy work.

I would try this only if handwriting/fine motor was the issue.

OP, did you want at home programs or in-person programs? You can try Linda Mood Bell or ASDEC:
http://asdec.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1770069

Lab School Camp (see page 9):
http://cdn.media910.whipplehill.net/ftpimages/541/misc/misc_113176.pdf

Thanks, we did Lindamood Bell last year - it helped her a lot with reading, but not writing...and frankly it broke the bank...

The other program looks good but at this point we don't really need something reading-focused. But I appreciate this information, I have not heard of this program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've heard good things about the Summer Edge writing program at the McLean School of Maryland. I tried to get my dysgraphic child in there last year but it was full. Does your DD have a dysgraphia diagnosis in addition to the ADHD?

She doesn't, but I think she definitely shows some features of it. If this continues, I will have her tested. I looked at this but unfortunately it starts in third grade...we might try it next year. Thank you